CDC: Produce Biggest Culprit in Foodborne Illnesses

ATLANTA — Illnesses linked to produce account for the highest number of foodborne illnesses and hospitalizations, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

By examining outbreaks from 1998-2008, the CDC found 46% of foodborne illnesses and 38% of hospitalizations could be traced back to produce commodities, which include fruits and nuts, leafy greens, fungi, root vegetables, sprouts and vine and stalk vegetables.